Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi-Controlled Areas in Yemen
Early Thursday, a series of Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the port city of Hodeida, resulting in the death of at least nine individuals, according to officials. These strikes occurred shortly after the Houthis launched a missile targeting central Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed two waves of airstrikes utilizing 14 fighter jets in a preplanned operation. The first wave aimed at Houthi infrastructure in the ports of Hodeida, Salif, and the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea. The subsequent strikes targeted energy facilities in Sanaa.
Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite channel, reported that some strikes were directed at power stations in Sanaa, sharing footage of fires at one facility as emergency crews attempted to contain the blaze. These attacks are expected to exacerbate Sanaa’s ongoing electricity crisis, impacting approximately a quarter of the city.
According to al-Masirah, the strikes resulted in seven fatalities at Salif and two additional deaths at the Ras Isa oil terminal, with more individuals injured at the Hodeida port.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, stated that the strikes targeted energy and port infrastructure used by the rebels for military purposes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “Whoever harms us — will be harmed sevenfold.”
Hodeida, located about 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, is a crucial hub for food shipments into Yemen amidst its prolonged conflict. There have been suspicions of weapon transfers from Iran through this port.
The airstrikes followed Israel’s interception of a missile launched from Yemen, although they were not a direct response to the missile. An Israeli military official indicated that the strikes were a planned response to ongoing Houthi aggression.
Earlier, a missile from Yemen was intercepted, leading to warnings near Tel Aviv and an explosion over the area. The missile’s warhead landed on a school in Ramat Gan, causing a building collapse. The Houthis have claimed responsibility, with Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stating they launched two “Palestine” ballistic missiles at Israel.
Since October 7, 2023, over 200 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles have been launched at Israel by the Houthis. The Israeli military has previously targeted Hodeida in response to Houthi attacks.
The Houthis have targeted around 100 merchant vessels in the Red Sea corridor since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. These attacks have occasionally led to the interception or failure to reach intended targets.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Houthis continue to stand firm, even as Israel’s operations have severely impacted groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The wider Yemen war, involving a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, has claimed over 150,000 lives and caused a significant humanitarian crisis.
